William Terry Mellinger

August 26, 1943 - January 21, 2022

William “Terry” Mellinger, 78, passed away on Friday January 21, 2022, in Virginia Beach, VA. Born August 26, 1943, in Pennsylvania, he was the eldest son of Robert and Ruth¬¬¬¬¬ Mellinger. He is preceded in death by his brothers Ronnie and Warren; his first wife Barbara Jo Younkin and daughter Terri Jo Mellinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years Pamela, daughter Bethany (John), son Matthew, stepsons Eric (Jennifer), Bryan (Vanessa), and Andrew (Ashley), and 14 grandchildren. Terry was the eldest of five children: Terry, Ronnie, Warren, Curtis and Patrick. In 1961, he married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Jo Younkin, and they had three children: Terri Jo, Bethany and Matthew. He married Pamela Blackmore in 1987. They worked and resided in Virginia Beach, VA. Terry was a proud 20-year veteran of the United States Navy, served 2 tours in Vietnam and was a Chief on the USS Long Beach (CGN-9). Terry knew his way around the kitchen and enjoyed cooking for friends and family. He was an avid reader and accomplished card player who excelled at almost any game. Terry was a wealth of knowledge on many subjects and anyone who watched the show Jeopardy with him would recall the scene in Groundhog Day where Bill Murray knew every question before it was asked. He was that friend who was always willing to lend a hand and will be missed greatly by all who knew him. He will be interred at Arlington National Cemetery and a private service and memorial will be held at that time